Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have been summoned to the stewards following an alleged 'unsafe release' during third free practice for the German Grand Prix, putting the title contender at risk of a grid penalty.

The incident, concerning Hamilton and Romain Grosjean, occurred early on in final practice when he was released in front of the Haas driver.

With stewards looking into the matter after the session, even a relatively minor punishment could have major ramifications for Hamilton as he is currently just one reprimand shy of a ten-place grid penalty following indiscretions in Bahrain and Russia.

Ironically, he could also receive a grid penalty in isolation. However, as it doesn't count towards his 'three strikes' reprimand policy, it would probably be a smaller drop than he would otherwise receive.

Previously teams have been punished for such a breach, but drivers have occasionally been penalised too.